The Quilt Inn Country Cookbook

Aliske Webb

workers. He was one of the many caught in a political and financial crossfire, and he

deeply resented the predictable outcome, “out you go”. I guess he was still stinging

from the surprise and earnestly felt it was such an important issue, and, since he had

no sterling family and background to tout, that he unwisely assured the townsfolk in his

brief campaign ad that if elected he would always maintain an “open door policy” with

regards to his job as sheriff. He meant there would be no surprises.

It was a deadly phrase. The small ad never did explain his intention behind the

expression. Brevity led to levity. What sort of town has an “open door” jail? The

morning the newspaper hit the sidewalk there was mixed hilarity and consternation

around town. He meant, of course, open door to the community, not to offenders but

that’s not how it sounded and the local wags razzed him mercilessly for weeks before

the election. It as hard to tell if the red face JB stomped around town in was from

embarrassment, or anger.

The surprise came on election dayand none was more surprised than Jeff Bob

when he won. Perhaps the wags felt they owed him their vote, to give him back his

face. Perhaps there were enough people around town, like myself, who think you just

gotta vote for a guy with either the silliness or the earnestness toprofess an open door

policy for a jail.

So now it’s passed into being a gentle joke. Even Jeff Bob wears it lightly.

Although we’re still a town divided. There are those who want to put up a sign

proclaiming our status as a town with an open door policy jail, and those who are

definitely not amused at all.

Jeff Bob’s Open Door Butter Tarts

Preheat oven to 425F.

double pie crust (recipe below)

/2 cup packed brown sugar

/2 cup corn syrup

/4 cup shortening

egg, lightly beaten

tsp. vanilla

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Country Cooking